If you’re new to the world of custom mechanical keyboards, you’re likely getting a lot of new terms thrown your way: gaskets and PCBs and stabilizers and the like. One word you’re definitely hearing a lot is “switch.”
Even if you’re new to the custom scene, you likely already know what a switch is, at least in premise. It’s the part that sits beneath the keycap that registers your keystroke as you type.
You have also likely heard that there are several types of key switches. What does that even mean?
Well, this article is for you, because we’re going to explain the differences between all the major switch types, why that matters for you, and how to choose the right one for you.
The three main switch types are linear, tactile, and clicky. These names are largely derived from the sound of the switches and the type of feedback they create.
How does a mechanical keyboard switch work?
Mechanical keyboards are different from membrane keyboards because they have an analog input rather than a digital one. The end result of that is more precise keystroke registering, which leads to more accurate typing and inputs while gaming.
When you press down on a keycap, that pushes the stem of the switch into the housing. When the legs of the stem create a connection between the leaves (the metal bits that attach to the PCB beneath), a keystroke is registered.
The distance the stem moves to make this happen is called the actuation point or travel (as in how far the stem travels). The amount of force needed to hit the actuation point is called actuation force. The higher the force needed, the harder you will have to hit the key.
That’s really all you need to know to get going and start making decisions. If you want to know more, read this really in-depth explanation of how mechanical switches work.
5-pin vs 3-pin switches
One other thing you will want to keep in mind is the number of pins on the switch. There is some debate on whether or not 5-pin switches are more stable, but the evidence on that is negligible.
The reason you will want to keep an eye on the number of pins is for board compatibility. If you shell out the money for 5-pin switches but your board only supports 3-pin connections you’re going to have a bad time.
Most switches are 3-pin, but you will still want to double-check before you buy any switches or boards.
Linear switches
Linear switches have no feedback when they actuate, so it’s smooth and even the whole time you press down on it. That means linear switches are generally quieter than other switch types and have a lower actuation force. Of course, that can vary depending on which linear switches you decide to get.
Linear switches are ideal for typists and office workers because they create a satisfying experience without being overly loud. If you want to further reduce noise, you can purchase silent switches (more on those in a bit) or add o-rings to dampen the noise bottoming out.
The most popular switch is the Cherry MX Red, but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the best. Other popular options include Gateron Yellows and TTC Golden Pinks.
If you don’t want any kind of feedback when you’re using your keyboard or want to type quickly, linear switches are generally the way to go.
Tactile switches
Tactile switches provide a “bump” that signals the switch has fully actuated. This is the preferred switch type if you want some sort of feedback to know that you actually hit the key. Tactile switches tend to have higher actuation forces than linear switches.
It’s a popular switch among gamers for that reason, but it also helps improve typing accuracy. The tactile bump doesn’t produce any extra noise either, which still makes them okay for an office environment.
Just be careful if you try to lube tactile switches. If you apply too much lubricant, you will lose that tactile bump and basically turn it into a linear switch. We will discuss lubing switches in a whole different article.
Popular tactile switches include Cherrry MX Browns, Drop Halo Clear, and Gazzew Bobba U4Ts.
Clicky switches
Clicky switches are likely what you think of when you imagine how a mechanical keyboard sounds. Clicky switches produce a loud click when they actuate, and if you’re typing quickly you will get something akin to a typewriter experience.
Clicky switches are not ideal for office environments because of their noise profile, but they sure are fun to type on. Popular clicky switches include Cherry MX Blue, Gateron Pro Blue, and Kailh Box Jade.
Other switch types
If you’re looking for something outside of the conventional linear, tactile, and clicky switch types, you might look at some of the more niche options. Here’s a brief summary of some of the other switch types available:
Silent – Silent linear switches are not – as the name implies – truly silent. But they are a whole lot quieter. These switches reduce the clacky sound of bottoming out, so they are nice for office environments.
Silver – Silver switches are linear switches with a much lower actuation force. This is great if you are playing a competitive game or trying to increase typing speed, but the likelihood of accidentally actuating a key is much higher.
Optical – Optical switches replace the metal leaves in the switch with an infrared signal. The switch operates as normal, but there is less wear and tear on the switch internals and these switches in theory can last a lot longer.
Keyboard switches are a matter of preference, and it just takes a little bit of experimenting to find which switch is right for you. If you’re on the fence, getting something like Gateron’s Switch Tester is a great way to test a lot of switches to find which one you like.